IAS officer Puja Khedkar, a probationary officer from the 2023 batch, has failed to meet the deadline to report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, prompting the academy to consider disciplinary action. Ms Khedkar, who was suspended earlier this month, was required to join by July 23 but did not appear, leading to potential repercussions.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar extends beyond her training delays. Questions have been raised regarding her disability claims, prompting LBSNAA to review the validity of disability certificates of other officers. This development comes amidst allegations that Khedkar misrepresented facts related to her OBC non-creamy layer status in the UPSC exams by falsely claiming her parents were separated.
Additionally, Khedkar’s tenure has been marred by disputes with officials at the Pune collector’s office, where she previously served before being transferred to Washim. Her alleged demands for separate office space and staff have raised eyebrows, leading to further scrutiny.
Moreover, the marital status of Khedkar’s parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, is under investigation following allegations of document forgery. Despite their divorce in 2010, evidence suggests they continued to live together and participate jointly in public events, which contrasts with Puja Khedkar’s claims during her UPSC interviews.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a show-cause notice contemplating the cancellation of her candidature for the 2022 examination and is deliberating on barring her from future exams. Meanwhile, legal proceedings involving Puja Khedkar’s family members, including her mother’s incarceration for criminal intimidation, further complicate the situation.
The unfolding saga of Puja Khedkar underscores deepening controversies within the bureaucracy, raising significant questions about integrity and adherence to procedural norms in India’s civil services.
